But I have to wonder how many people collected 50 gallons in their rain barrels yesterday.
I have mentioned lately to some friends that I think that 50 gallon rain barrels are a scam by the water companies to cause people to fail at collecting usable amounts of rainwater long term.
I compare it to a 10 gallon aquarium. It is designed to fail! A 10 gallon aquarium is far too small to be functional. A 10 gallon aquarium cannot maintain water temperature and other parameters nearly as well as even a 20g tank and that stresses the fish and causes them to get sick. And then you go and ask a kid who just got the job behind the counter what to do.
If you want an aquarium get the largest one you reasonably can. And if money is an issue don’t get all the accouterments first thing.
Do you really think that the water companies that give away free, or low cost 50 gallon rain barrels want you to succeed? Isn’t their goal to sell water?
People that have installed them and got water yesterday are feeling great, and …
I am appreciative that they have made the effort!
But I believe that in another year or two the maintenance of the rain barrel (it splits, the lid comes loose, the difficulties of getting the water out, the plastic deteriorates around the top, etc.) and the benefit of acquiring only 50 gallons at at a time will cause the majority of these people to quit.
I believe that building a pond that is functional at a half to a quarter water volume is the most economical and effective rain catchment system there is. Even better convert your swimming pool! And you get the enjoyment of the pond year round. Can you say that for your rain barrel?
Do you sit in your lawn chairs and watch the rain barrel with a glass of wine?
Do you go out and feed the pretty koi in your rain barrel?
When it is time to replace that rain barrel consider some other options :-)